Chatswood

Population growth drivers in Chatswood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Chatswood statistical area's population is estimated at around 27,569 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,016 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,553 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 27,219 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,502 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Chatswood's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected for Chatswood (SA2), with the area expected to grow by 4,499 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Chatswood when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Chatswood has recorded approximately 49 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 248 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 4.4 new residents per year are associated with every home built.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $932,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $30.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood shows substantially reduced construction, at 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction in Chatswood comprises 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend toward denser development that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 606 people per dwelling approval, Chatswood reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Chatswood is expected to grow by approximately 4,894 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Chatswood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Chatswood Chase Redevelopment, Coronation Property Mixed-Use Development, Chatswood Grand Residences, and Hammond Greens Chatswood. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Chatswood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Chatswood has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate is 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 14,543 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance sectors. Construction is under-represented at 4.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.9 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Chatswood's labour force increased by 0.9% while employment decreased by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Chatswood suggest local employment could increase by 7.4% in five years and 14.8% in ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Chatswood's median income among taxpayers is $54,122. The average income in Chatswood is $91,234. This places it among the highest in Australia, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Chatswood's median income would be approximately $58,917 by September 2025, with an average of around $99,317. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Chatswood cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.3% of residents (8,353 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 30.9% fall into the same income bracket. Economic strength is evident in Chatswood through 35.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 20.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chatswood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Chatswood, as per the latest Census, 27.9% were houses while 72.0% consisted of other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 41.1% houses and 58.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood stood at 27.1%, with mortgaged properties at 20.8% and rented ones at 52.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,858, lower than Sydney metro's average of $3,033, while the median weekly rent was $577 compared to Sydney metro's $560. Nationally, Chatswood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chatswood features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 70.6% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Sydney average.

Chatswood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Chatswood's educational attainment notably exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 58.0% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4%, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 7.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary, 8.2% in tertiary, and 7.1% in secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Chatswood shows that there are currently 121 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 100 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 21,637 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 130 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 3,091 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chatswood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Chatswood, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 63% of its total population (17,343 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 79.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.4 and 4.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 81.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 78.0%. Chatswood has 14.4% of its population aged 65 and over (3,969 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors align closely with the general population's health profile.

Chatswood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chatswood, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from 2016, has a population where 63.7% speak languages other than English at home. Born overseas, 64.3% of Chatswood's population resides there. Christianity is the predominant religion with 34.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 52.1%.

Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Chatswood at 7.6%, higher than Greater Sydney's 4.2%. The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (36.5%), Other (14.5%), and English (11.8%). Notably, Korean ancestry stands at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 1.8%, Russian at 0.4% versus 0.6%, and Indian at 3.8% compared to Greater Sydney's 3.1%.

Chatswood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chatswood's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure of 37 years and being comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 17.0% of Chatswood's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort makes up 3.9%, which is lower than Greater Sydney's figure. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 14.0%. However, during this period, the 35 to 44 cohort decreased from 18.1% to 17.0%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 5.0% to 3.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chatswood's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 4,655 people from its current total of 3,611. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.